Turkey condemns Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip, said in the statement of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, published on its website.

Turkish Foreign Ministry said that Israel's attack should be immediately stoped.

"Launched today operation in Gaza is the latest example of the aggressive policy of Israel. We strongly condemn this attack and demand that it stop immediately," -Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Turkey considers essential that the international community needs to respond and that no country is above international law, the statement said.

"We call on the international community and the UN to take the necessary initiatives. Turkey on its part and then continue to show solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza," - Ministry said.

The Israeli army said on Wednesday it had started a large-scale operation to eliminate key militant commanders and "terrorist infrastructure" in the Gaza Strip controlled by Hamas. Al-Jabari became the first target hit in a series of well-planned air strikes on Gaza. He was killed earlier on Wednesday when his car was hit by an Israeli missile.

Other targets of the operation "Pillar of Defense" ("Pillar of Cloud" in Hebrew) included rocket launch sites belonging to Hamas and Islamic Jihad.